The virtual 31st Fighter Group was created on February 21, 2000. For three months we recruited, organized, and carefully laid out the foundation of the 31st FG. On April 4, 2000 we became operational. Individuals who were amongst the founding members of the 31st FG will receive the following ribbon.

The virtual 31st FG is approx 1 week away from going 100% operational. The web page will be moved to our new domain this weekend. Ranks, SOPs, and other details will be accomplished by our operational date.

When we started the 31st we agreed that on April 17, we will become operational. April 17 was a big day for the real 31st during the war. They became operational in the 15th AF.

We decided that we would use the first 2 months to get things moving in the right direction. Those members that joined the 31st prior to April 17, will be considered the 'founding members' of the 31st FG.

Here is what I expect from the warbirds 31st FG. Anyone that knows me well, knows that I believe mediocrity sucks. This group will not be just another warbird squadron flying around aimlessly. The 31st in time will take our rightful place next to a few other squadrons, that are amongst the best in this game. I know what it takes to get there, and I have no doubt that the 31st will one day achieve our goal of being the best squadron in warbirds.

What is the best? And how do you get there? Well it is NOT skill based. It is not having the ability to beat other squads in duels.

Being the best means the 31st will be a true historical representation of the real 31st FG. Our teamwork and cooperation with other historic squadrons will be recognized and praised by others.

Our ONLINE profile/personality will receive respect from our friends and enemies. We must work hard in a positive manner within the Warbirds community. We will NOT tolerate anyone that insults or verbally attacks other members of this community. Everyone must remember they are part of a larger group when we post on AGW or talk on public channels. The only time I will really get pissed off and act to remove a person from our squad is if they bing dishonor to this group or if they are causing such turmoil within our ranks.

Do I consider us the good guys? Yep! Within Warbirds there are enough loud mouth jerks, and squadrons that do not offer anything back to the community. We *Will* represent a positive squadron full of members that are willing to continue to build the warbird community.

Does that mean we are only going to stay in Warbirds and not fly AH or WW2Online? NO.
Currently Warbirds is our home. Our members play flight sims on macs and pc. We will stay united, therefore we won't be making a presence within AH, until things change. WW2Online, is a serious possibility.

I believe that most of our current members have NOT read our 'Standard Operating Procedures'. This must be done. As a favor to everyone please take 5 minutes and read the SOPs. http://www2.whidbey.com/zarifis/31stFG/sop.html By reading this document, it will help to avoid problems in the future.

What do I think the future holds for us? Well I will be honest with everyone. I believe we may lose a few people over the next couple of months. We will also gain a few people. Over the next couple of months our members will become closer to each other. New friendships will develop and common interests will begin to show. We will be laying the foundation for the group over the next several months. By the end of the year, we will be putting up 36 ponies (or spits) into the air. Our formation of this awesome group will be something everyone talks about, and wants to be a part of. Our senior members will smile when they recall our first few missions in Operation Overlord...way back when:)

Lastly, I want to thank everyone that has joined the 31st FG and has become a part of my/our dream. This is a very exciting time for us, and I'm glad I can share it with many of my friends.

Sincerely

daddy
31st Fighter Group